Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent has issued a stark statement saying he has brought shame on himself and his country by helping to fix matches.

“My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat," he said in a statement released on Tuesday. “I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money through fixing. I have lived with this dark secret for many years, but just months ago I reached the point where I decided I had to come forward and tell the truth.

“It's a truth that has rightly caused uproar and controversy in New Zealand and around the world. I have shamed my country. I have shamed my sport. I have shamed those close to me. For that I am not proud.”

Vincent said he hoped he could convince other cricketers to avoid the mistakes he has made. “It is entirely my fault that I will never be able to stand in front of a game again. It is entirely my fault that I will not be able to apply my skills in a positive way to help future cricketers. But it is entirely possible that I can use this moment to convince others not to be tempted by wrongdoing. To do the right thing for themselves, for their families and friends, and for the sport they love.”

He added that while he has suffered from depression he accepted responsibility for his actions. “I do suffer from depression but it is absolutely no reason or excuse for all that I have done wrong,"he said.